Chabad is…

A place where students socialize in a comfortable home-like setting with great friends, great food and great discussion.

An institution where you can question your faith and not be afraid of judgment.

A haven to run to when you’re stressed or lonely, and need a friend to lean on.

A business where you can intern and get credits for your major and perfect your leadership skills with our various student groups.

A center for prayer and study, where one can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of ones Jewish heritage.

A partnership between students and staff to help create student programming, plan social action projects, raise women’s issues, promote health awareness activities and offer many volunteer opportunities.

A community for all Jewish students, with opportunities to expand their experiences in all aspects of their college career.

F.A.Q.

Q: What is Chabad?
A: Chabad is a worldwide movement that spreads Jewish awareness to all Jews whether male or female, old or young. Its roots are in White Russia in a small town by the name of Lubavitch. The word Chabad is an acronym for Chachmah, Binah, Daas, which means wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. The idea is to turn intellect to action. Simply put, Chabad’s message is “don’t just think it, do it”. This is exactly what Chabad does. Chabad Houses can be found in every part of the world such as, Tasmania, Russia, Hawaii, and Bangkok and in each one of those places Chabad is doing everything it can to help Jews be Jewish.

Q: What does Chabad do on campus?
A: Chabad provides Jewish students with all their spiritual needs. Chabad provides kosher Shabbat and holiday meals free of charge to students (best meals in town). Chabad’s Rabbi has knowledge in all areas of Judaism, ready to answer your questions. Most importantly, Chabad is your ‘Jewish home away from home’.

Q: Do only religious people come to Chabad?
A: Chabad is a place for all Jews regardless of their affiliations or ties. Many of the students who come to Chabad are not religious, some with a little Jewish education, and others with none at all. One of the the exciting things about Chabad is one can meet people from all walks of life.

Q: What happens if I don’t know what to do?
A: Don’t worry, everyone is learning and one has to start sometime, and what better place than at Chabad? There is always someone willing to help you.

Q: What purpose do the labels ‘Orthodox’, ‘Conservative’ and ‘Reform’ serve?
A: The truth is that a Jew is truly a Jew, and that G-d truly wants a Jew to do Mitzvot. Beyond that, labels are totally meaningless at best, and at worst, divisive. “Labels are for shirts.” Read the article “Was Moses Orthodox?” for more.

Q: All this is great, but how do I join?
A: Joining Chabad is simple! Just come on by. To get on the mailing list, email chabad@umd.edu.

Q: So how much time do I have to dedicate to Chabad activities?
A: College students have very busy lives and this is completely understood. Some students come to dinner and stay for a few minutes while others stay for a few hours. Everyone is welcome.

Q: But wait!! How much does it cost?
A: Nothing! Just bring yourself and lots of friends!

Q: What’s the difference between Chabad and Hillel on campus?
A: Every person will answer this question differently, so we advise people to check out both places. There are some differences, however, that people have pointed out in the past. Chabad is run by a family, not a staff. Our shabbat dinners are home made and have the best Challah in town! We have eight lovely children running around to help you feel at home and distracted from all your school work! Chabad is available 24/7, -24/6 by phone…- the Chabad phone rings at the Rabbi’s house. Also, having a Rabbi always around can make a difference. Sometimes there is a spiritual question that only a Rabbi can answer.